The Cases of Polygamous Converts1

by Pastor Ron du Preez, ThD , D M in

INTRODUCTION Though polygamy is often seen as an African issue, this custom is not confined to one continent. It is a universal marriage form, known and practiced among many of the societies of the world,2 and has proved to be formidable barriers to the Christian gospel.3 For example, Islam, with its more than one billion adherents, does not limit the male partner in marriage to a single spouse;4 Muslims are permitted to have up to four wives at one time.5 This practice has resulted in difficulties for Christian missionaries. A review of literature indicates that many documents have been produced concerning the Bible and polygamy.6 An analysis of this material reveals that over the centuries three principal, different views have been held: One position is that the Bible does not condemn the practice of polygamy, even though it might regulate or restrict it carefully. A second position is that the Old Testament at times required polygamy, while the New completely ruled it out. A third perspective on plural marriage is that monogamy is promoted throughout the Bible, while polygamy is condemned. Since it seems that most of these studies have not provided an indepth analysis of crucial texts, or a contextual consideration of the narratives of the major polygamists, there has been a need for a reinvestigation of the topic. The purpose of this research was to undertake a contextual investigation of the biblical passages and pericopes related to plural marriage in order to discover principles on which a scripturally reliable and missiologically sound policy can be based concerning how to deal with polygamy. THE GENESIS OF MARITAL FORM The book of Genesis provides a concrete account of the institution of marriage. Genesis 1:27, 28 and 2:18, 21-24 specifically state that God is the originator of the marriage relationship. Genesis 2:21-24 makes it clear that this marriage took place between one man and one woman. The repeated use of singular nouns and pronouns in this passage is noteworthy. J S. Wright and J A. Thompson . . correctly note that monogamy is implicit in the story of Adam and Eve, since God created only one wife for Adam. 7 As Walter Wegner aptly remarks: If we are correct in viewing the union of Adam and Eve of Genesis 1 and 2 as the family as God wants it to be, then there can be no doubt about the fact that the marriage held up for the emulation of ancient Israel was a monogamous one. 8

Genesis 2:18 records Gods words: I will make him a helper suitable for him. The Hebrew term kenegd , means a counterpart, 9 one corresponding to him. 10 This stress on equal partnership, implies _ that for a marital relationship to be genuinely reciprocal, it would need to be monogamous. Even though these words in Genesis 2:24 were evidently penned by a human, since they are the utterance of divine revelation, Christ could quote them, therefore, as the word of God (Matt. xix. 5). 11 Thus, since it is a clear expression of Gods will, this statement is of great import for all. Rein Muhlberg, in a succinct study in 2000, aptly notes that, It is clear from the context that God intended that the first marriage should be the model for all subsequent marriages. 12 As the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary aptly states: These words express the deepest physical and spiritual unity of man and woman, and hold up monogamy before the world as the form of marriage ordained by God. 13 Even though a considerable amount of Genesis is devoted to the story of the worldwide deluge,14 it is apparent that not much is recorded about the marital status of those involved in the narrative. However, the Genesis record is clear, not only that Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (6:8), but that Noah and his three sons were married to one wife each. As Tryggve Kronholm observed: Noah himself as well as his three sons are described in an unambiguous way as monogamous. 15 By preserving in the ark only those who were monogamous, God was apparently conveying His divine approval on the marital pattern that He had established in Eden.16 Missiologist Clifton Maberly is thus correct when he recognizes that the monogamy of Noah and his sons is very significant to an understanding of Gods will and dealing with the polygamous marriage variant. 17 The identical charge that God gave to the worlds first couple, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth (Gen 1:28), He now repeated to Noah and his sons (9:1), all of whom were monogamous. Samuel Dresner posits that, in this, the pattern of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden is replicated. 18 God was in a sense repeating history.19 As Dresner so fittingly concludes: The message seems clear: human society is meant to be composed of families, of monogamous families. 20 POLYGAMY IN OLD TESTAMENT PASSAGES Many questions have been raised about the issue of concubinage in the Bible. The Mosaic laws make no mention of concubines. However, the narrative portions of Scripture indicate that the terms wife and concubine were sometimes used to describe distinct categories, while at other times they were used

interchangeably. The difference relates primarily to the more formal aspects of the marriage, while the legal status of a concubine and her children was the same as that of the wife and her children.21 In fact, these terms are so similar that at times they are linked together to form a wife-concubine. Only the original wife is never called a concubine. Thus, both wives and concubines formed part of the polygamous homes of certain characters of Scripture. Texts, sometimes viewed as permitting or even promoting polygamy, are briefly addressed here. The Law Concerning the Female Slave Several scholars have concluded that the Mosaic stipulation of Exodus 21:7-11 supported and legalized the practice of polygamy.22 But, a careful reading of the text, especially in the original Hebrew, shows that the slave master did not marry the woman (vs. 8), and that he was simply to provide food, clothing, and shelter for the female servant whom he did not marry. When interpreted according to the weight of linguistic evidence, this law does not contradict the edenic model of monogamy. Law of the Firstborn and His Rights Another passage that has frequently been referred to in the discussion on polygamy is the one relating to the true firstborn son and his legal rights, as found in Deuteronomy 21:15-17. Since the law begins with the phrase, If a man has two wives, some have referred to this passage as an indication that polygamy was regarded as a normal and licit practice in Israel.23 However, Walter Kaiser notes that the Hebrew language is notoriously disinterested in our Western preoccupation with the tense of the verb and time in general. . . . [Thus,] it definitely is wrong to insist that both wives are living, for that would be asking the imperfect verb form (future or continuous action of the verb) to bear a load it was not meant to carry. 24 Several scholars favor this interpretation.25 Another possibility, in line with this view, is that this could be a case relating to a man who marries again after the divorce of the first wife. Since the Mosaic regulation of Deuteronomy 24:1-4 recognizes the practice of divorce, this option is also a plausible one.26 Kaiser aptly notes that the concern of this law is inheritance rights, not polygamy, 27 and concludes that this Mosaic stipulation does not suggest even a tacit approval of polygamy. 28 Laws on Sexual Relations with an Unengaged Woman Since Deuteronomy 22:28, 29 requires the man committing a sexual crime against an unengaged virgin to marry the woman, some have concluded that this law would require polygamy in the case of a man

already married. However, a very similar law is in Exodus 22:16, 17. As careful scholars have noted, the deuteronomic legislation is a repetition and expansion of the one in Exodus, where the guilty man is not required to wed the woman.29 In brief, when these regulations regarding sexual offenses are properly seen as parallel, they do not condone or command the practice of polygamy. Levirate Law and Practice In the discussion of polygamy in the Old Testament, the levirate, 30 as outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, is frequently mentioned. Various writers concur with Eugene Hillman, who alleges that in the Bible, polygamy is dictated by the levirate law. 31 Pentateuchal Legislation. Deuteronomy 25:5 states: When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be married outside the family to a strange man. Her husbands brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husbands brother to her. Based on this verse it has been conjectured that this was a compulsory law that would cause a man to become polygamous, if he were already married. However, Deuteronomy 25:5-10 shows that the stipulation is divided into two parts: one-third of the law lays down the expectation, while two-thirds explains the formal steps to be followed in case the brother-in-law declines to marry his deceased brothers wife. This shows that this law allows the brother the option of refusing. 32 Moreover, as Hebrew exegete Herbert Leupold observed, the levirate system implied that the brother of the deceased, if unmarried, would take the widow to wife. 33 Therefore, this law would not require polygamous unions. The Levirate in Patriarchal Times. The Bible shows that the levirate was practiced early, centuries before the formal legislation was recorded. No polygamy occurs in this entire narrative in Genesis 38. As Samuel Wishard stated: There is no polygamy here. It was the first marriage of each son. 34 Practice in the Time of the J udges. There has been some debate as to whether the book of Ruth deals with the levirate custom or not. The peculiarities are probably due to the fact that three institutions are exemplified in this one marriage, namely: the levirate, redemption (g e l), and inheritance.35 It appears as though in the book of Ruth this optional practice was similarly carried out in a monogamous manner. In short, there is no evidence in the biblical text that the levirate required or resulted in polygamy. W. White concurs, noting that the biblical levirate marriages appear to have been monogamous. 36

Symbolism and Marital Forms In the latter part of the Old Testament, Gods relationship to His people is often described in terms of family ties. Polygamous marriage symbolism appears in Ezekiel 23, and some have suggested that this shows that God is not against plural marriages. Roland de Vaux, cautions that this comparison is merely to adapt the allegory of chapter 16 to the historical conditions which prevailed after the political schism. 37 In fact, if these two kingdoms were to return in faithfulness to the Lord, they would come back as one united people. Thus the illustration would end with God in a monogamous relationship with His chosen nation, just as at the first. Clearly, it is inappropriate to conclude that the use of this allegory implies that God condones or sanctions polygamy in any manner.38 In addition to the above passages, there are two additional regulations that address the issue of polygamy more directly, both located in the Pentateuch. The Regulation on Marriage to Two Sisters Leviticus 18:18 reads: And you shall not marry a woman in addition to her sister as a rival while she is alive, to uncover her nakedness. This text has given occasion for much dispute. 39 One scholar speculated that: The command that a man must not have two sisters as wives at the same time (Lev. XVIII. 18) implies that he may have two wives who are not sisters. 40 Most often Leviticus 18:18 is seen as a law against incest. However, as Angelo Tosato has shown, from vs. 7 through vs. 17 only, every verse begins with the same term, d erwat (meaning nakedness of), and culminates in le tegall (rendered you are not to uncover ), showing that these laws belong together as h _ anti-incestuous regulations,41 due to the homogeneity and peculiarity of its formation and content. 42 In contradistinction to the above, vss. 18-23 open with the conjunction waw and close with various permanent prohibitions regularly introduced by the negative le . Tosato again rightly indicates that the two distinct and formally unifying elements of this new list suggest that the second series of laws, although not identical, are to be considered as a unit.43 Many scholars recognize this.44 Thus, since vs. 18 belongs to the more general set of regulations, the interpretation of the crucial phrase, a woman to her sister, must likewise be open to its broader sense, and not be restricted to only a literal, blood relative.45 The very term sister (e ~h t) is used in the Old Testament46 in a variety of ways: as a blood sister . (e.g., Gen 4:22), a half sister (Gen 20:12), a kinswoman (Gen 24:59, 60), or in the general sense of a female

fellow citizen (Num 25:18; Hos 2:1). Thus, e i ~h e el-eaht~h should be interpreted here according to its . more proper meaning (the broader one), 47 i.e., two women (fellow citizens) in general. 48 Interestingly, some scholars have shown that this was the very manner in which the ancient Qumran community viewed Leviticus 18:18 as a law against taking two wives during their lifetime. 49 Furthermore, several scholars recognize that the linking of words together in the phrase e i ~h e el
ea

ht~h (literally, a woman to her sister) may require an idiomatic interpretation,50 as this phrase or its .

equivalents are rendered in Scripture. In fact, Christopher Wordsworth observes that these phrases are never used to designate blood relationships of two sisters or two brothers, but simply the addition of one person or thing to another of the same kind. 51 Therefore, from a point of translational consistency Leviticus 18:18 should likewise be rendered in a figurative manner as one in addition to another. 52 The laws in this section are not just destructive for Israel. They are universal abominations. 53 As Gerhard Hasel noted: These laws are not ritual or cultic, and cannot be restricted to Israelites. 54 Thus, the prohibition of polygamy in Leviticus 18:18 can be seen as a universal law applicable to all. On the basis of the evidence, Leviticus 18:18 should read as the alternative NASB rendering has it: And you shall not take a wife in addition to another to be a rival while she is alive, to uncover her nakedness. 55 This translation, as J ohn Murray notes, is an express condemnation of polygamy.56 Or, as Gordon Hugenberger more recently concluded: Leviticus 18:18 offers a general (ethical) prohibition of polygyny. 57 Richard Davidson, in his 2006 monumental volume on sexuality concurs: The legislation prohibiting plural marriages, like the other prohibitions of Leviticus 18, is ultimately rooted in creation, as it upholds the divine order of monogamous marriage (Gen 2:24). 58 The weight of evidence thus shows that this levitical legislation is clearly in harmony with the monogamous model set up originally by God.59 Legislation on the Marital Status of the King The law about royal polygamy is in Deuteronomy 17:16, 17: Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the Lord has said to you, You shall never again return that way. Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself. What does this passage mean? First, the language and content of vs. 17 shows that this prohibition is not against possessing silver and gold per se, but rather against hoarding great amounts of wealth.60 Second, the prohibition concerning

the accumulation of animals needs analysis. Other passages, such as Isaiah 31:1, shed light on this prohibition: Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, . . . but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord. 61 The issue here was reliance on others rather than on God.62 Third, Deuteronomy 17:17 states: Neither shall he r~b~h wives for himself, lest his heart turn away. Since linguistic study indicates that r~b~h (increase or multiply) covers a range from twice as much on upwards, it appears evident that this law prohibits the king from becoming polygamous.63 Interestingly, the expectations of the king, outlined in Deuteronomy, were essentially the same for the common people.64 Based on this biblical evidence, Patrick Miller has shown that Deuternomy 17:17 places upon the king the obligations incumbent upon every Israelite. In that sense, Deuteronomys primary concern was that the king be the model Israelite. 65 Such a broad understanding of the prohibition of polygamy is also evident in the thinking of Ellen White.66 Commenting on Solomon who fell into the sinful practice of other kings, of having many wives, 67 she observed: God commanded Moses to warn the people against having a plurality of wives. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away. 68 Davidson concludes: Thus, the law prohibiting royal polygamy here in Deut 17:17 serves to uphold and further emphasize the similar prohibition given to all Israel in Lev 18:18. 69 In short then, the legislation in Deuteronomy 17:16, 17 forbade kings to marry more than one spouse; and since the king is a model, this law also outlawed the practice of polygamy for the entire community. Summary of Old Testament Passages on Polygamy When the crucial Old Testament passages on marital forms are contextually examined and analyzed, none of them can be seen to command or condone the practice of polygamy. On the contrary, in accord with the edenic monogamy, the Pentateuch records laws which forbid the practice of polygamy. CASE STUDIES OF POLYGAMISTS IN THE BIBLE To understand the phenomenon of polygamy in the Bible one must take into account cases of the practice of plural marriage in the Old Testament, especially where there is sufficient story line. An adequate approach to the Scriptures must emphasize that any passage be understood in the light of its total context. This approach recognizes that God spoke to a specific people at a specific point in time, using a language and other cultural symbols that carried maximum impact for communication. 70 Thus, it

must be noted that God used linguistic forms with which the receptors felt at home. 71 Based on such careful analysis the following conclusions have been drawn.72 Lamech, the First Polygamist Lamechs polygamy must be understood within the following context: (1) its setting in a chapter stressing alienation; (2) Lamech being listed as part of Cains rebellious line; (3) Lamech being the seventh generation from Adam, thus representing the climax of the self-sufficiency to which the line of Cain has been tending; 73 (4) the distinct contrast with the righteous Enoch, seventh from Adam through Seths line;74 (5) murder and polygamy, contrasting the creation of life, and the institution of monogamy in Genesis 1 and 2; and (6) the ending of the genealogical listing with Lamechs children. His polygamy is thus seen as a perversion of Gods marital plan, and therefore implicitly condemned as unacceptable. Abraham: The Friend of God75 Several facts can be learned from the study of Abrahams polygamy. First, Abraham was monogamous when God selected him to be the head of a special people. Second, he was apparently aware of Gods requirements concerning marriage, but due to a lack of trust he violated Gods law by marrying a second wife. Third, the result of this union was discord in the family. Fourth, God did not accept this as a marriage, but insisted that Sarah was Abrahams only true wife. Fifth, Gods call for the dissolving of this polygamous alliance by sending away the second wife and her son was not equal to divorce. As Muhlberg aptly notes: Separation of people in an unbiblical relationship does not constitute the divorce which God forbids; 76 but rather, it is the termination of an illicit union. This method of resolving a polygamous union was, as Ellen White remarks, to be timeless and of worldwide scope, to resolve the issue of polygamy.77 Sixth, only after Abraham forsook polygamy and returned to monogamy did God call on him to sacrifice and worship at the site of the future temple. Seventh, for the rest of his life Abraham appears to have refrained from polygamy, even arranging for Isaac to marry only one wife. And eighth, as a loving father, Abraham made sure that all of his children were properly cared for. J acob: Patriarch of the Twelve Tribes By way of summary, many things could be said about the marital life of J acob. First, when he was a single man, God called him to fulfill a special role. While it was J acobs intention to marry only Rachel, he acquiesced to custom and became polygamous. The consequences of this plural marriage were strife

between the wives, grief for J acob, and discord among the children. After Gods summons to return to his ancestral home, he underwent a life-changing encounter with a divine being. As a result of this transformation, J acob evidently ended his polygamous relationships and lived monogamously with his original wife, Rachel. Only when he had become monogamous did God invite him to worship at the house of God. God renewed the covenant with him. Apparently, J acob never again practiced polygamy. Nevertheless, until the day of his death he did care for and look after the mothers and all of his children. Esau: Father of the Edomites Both the Old and New Testaments point out that Esau was a godless person who despised spiritual things. Thus, Esaus polygamous marriage appears to be part of his rebellious lifestyle. Moses: Great Deliverer of the Israelites After he fled from Egypt, Moses married Zipporah, daughter of J ethro, the priest of Midian (Exod 2:16-3:1). Later, mention is made of the Cushite woman whom he had married (Num 12:1), causing some to conclude that Moses was a polygamist. 78 However, there is some biblical indication of a close link between two geographical terms. J ames Hoffmeier notes that in Habakkuk 3:7 the place names Cushan and Midian occur in synonymous parallelism, suggesting that the terms referred to the same place.79 Similarly, Ellen White noted: Though called a Cushite woman (Numbers 12:1, R.V.), the wife of Moses was a Midianite, and thus a descendant of Abraham. 80 Put simply, Moses was not a polygamist. Gideon: Mighty Man of Valor81 Gideon, a prominent man whom God used to deliver His people, was a polygamist. The context sheds light on this issue. J udges 8:27 (TEV) states: Gideon made an idol from the gold and put it in his home town, Ophrah. All the Israelites abandoned God and went there to worship the idol. It was a trap for Gideon and his family. Significantly, three verses after this statement, the only references to his polygamy are made. After his apostasy is noted, the record notes that Gideon had many wives, as Ellen White puts it, according to the evil custom of those days. 82 Thus, the two activities clearly contrary to Gods will, are placed in close proximity which close his story, negatively reflecting on his polygamy. Elkanah: A Man of Wealth and Influence83 During a time when all the people did as they pleased, Elkanah became polygamous, in order to have offspring. Many problems resulted from this union. An apparent linguistic link with Leviticus 18:18

seems to indicate that Elkanahs polygamy was directly contrary to this regulation. Thus, Elkanahs violation of Gods marital standards provides no positive model for the issue of polygamy. David: A Man After Gods Own Heart God called David a man after His own heart, when he was a single, and living in accord with the will of God. Prior to his polygamy, he was chosen by God and anointed as the future king. When David departed from God, and began to practice polygamy, he was no longer a man after Gods own heart. 84 By the time David became king in J erusalem, he had six wives. As he became more and more successful he drifted further from God and married more women. When David committed adultery and then killed Bathshebas husband in order to cover up his crime, he remained unpunished for some time. However, when David married Bathsheba, God sent Nathan with a message of reproof and judgment. The message in 2 Samuel 12:7, 8 reveals several elements essential to a proper understanding of Gods view of polygamy. The judgment of God was in accord Davids three sins: adultery, murder, and polygamy. For the crime of murder, David was to lose four of his sons; because of his adultery, another would sleep with his wives; and because of his marrying Bathsheba, he would lose all his other wives. When Absalom appropriated Davids spouses during his attempted takeover of the kingdom, David recognized the direct fulfillment of Gods judgment. Thus, when he returned to power, David set aside his spouses, retaining only Bathsheba. He provided for these women throughout the rest of their lives. According to the biblical record, David remained monogamously married to Bathsheba for the rest of his life. Even when a beautiful virgin was brought in to keep him warm, he chose not to become involved in polygamy again. Thus, the man who started out as a man after Gods own heart, spent the last decade or so of his life living more closely in accordance with Gods commands, including His marital regulations, once again a man after Gods own heart. 85 Solomon: Loved by the Lord86 The life of Solomon can be summarized as follows. During the first approximately twenty-five years of his forty-year reign, Solomon was a God-fearing person who lived in accordance with the monogamous marital standard set up in Eden. During this time God twice appeared to him in a dream, promising blessings if Solomon would follow His requirements. Also during this period Solomon built and dedicated the temple. However, he drifted away from God, and violated the specific deuteronomic prohibitions concerning the

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excessive accumulation of wealth, the obtaining of horses from Egypt, and polygamy. When this happened, God brought judgments upon him. Solomon responded by sincere repentance and confession, including apparently the stopping of his polygamy. His last writings make a call for obedience to God and His requirements, for this is the whole duty of man (Eccl 12:13 NIV). J oash: Repairer of the House of the Lord J oash is not portrayed as a flawless king, but rather as one who obeyed God, except for his idolatry and his polygamy. In fact, just as the comment about the high places in 2 Kings 12:3 implies a negative evaluation of J oashs conduct in connection with his worship practices, so the notation of two wives in 2 Chronicles 24:3 indicates an adverse judgment on his behavior in relation to his marital action. Summary of the Assessment of Polygamists in Scripture In the cases of Lamech, Esau, and Elkanah there is no explicit verbal assessment of their polygamy. But, the practice of this marital form by these men is placed in a rather negative light. Since, according to the biblical record, Abraham, J acob, David, and Solomon are all identified as having been set aside by God for specific purposes, their cases are considered together. These men were all called by God before they became polygamous Abraham and Solomon being monogamous, J acob and David being single. Only after they were selected did each man drift away and became polygamous. None of these accounts of polygamy is placed in an attractive light. In Abrahams case, he took a second wife because he did not trust God to fulfill His promises. J acob became polygamous due to the deceit and persuasion of others. In the cyclical pattern of the life of David, polygamy appears only during the period when he was involved in other sins. The structure of the story of Solomon indicates that his polygamy appears during the time when he violated other commands of God and slipped into apostasy. The results of the polygamy of these four are extensively documented. Both in Abrahams and J acobs cases there was jealousy and disharmony between the wives. Furthermore, strife and tension arose among the children of J acob and David. Solomons wives turned his heart away from God and into idolatry. At some point, God interposed with some form of judgment, punishment, or direction to terminate the polygamous unions. In Abrahams case, God recognized only Sarah as his wife, and sanctioned the sending away of Hagar to resolve their family problems. J acobs encounter with the divine being at the J abbok resulted in his return to a monogamous relationship with his original wife, Rachel. David accepted

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the predicted loss of his spouses and set them aside when he returned to power as a transformed man. Solomon, upon recognizing Gods judgments, apparently ceased his practice of polygamy as well. Significantly, only while these men were not polygamous were they directly linked to the house of the Lord. God summoned Abraham and later J acob to worship at a special place only after ending polygamy. David and Solomon seem to have been involved in temple work only while monogamous. In almost all cases it appears that after the dissolution of the polygamous relationships, the mothers and children were properly cared for. Abraham provided for his children who were sent away. J acob kept the members of his family together and cared for them all of his life. While nothing is said about Solomon, the record states that David protected and provided for his former spouses the rest of their lives. This extensive analysis of the lives of the major polygamists reveals that in no case is there even implicit sanction of polygamy. On the contrary, God indicates His support of monogamy by never summoning a polygamous man to a special task. When those who were called became polygamous, God interposed and brought about the cessation of this marital form. By the language of the story, and by various kinds of judgments, God conveyed His disapproval of polygamy. As Richard Davidson aptly notes in his 2006 seminal study on sexuality: Narrative theology of divine disapproval often speaks even louder, and more eloquently, than explicit condemnation. 87 That Gods blessing rests only on monogamy is the fundamental message conveyed in the chronicles of those who practiced polygamy in Bible times. NEW TESTAMENT PASSAGES RELATING TO POLYGAMY In view of the absence of any direct reference to polygamy in the New Testament, this section considers the materials dealing with marital relationships that have implications for polygamy. Use of the Term One Flesh In His discussion with the Pharisees concerning divorce (see Matt 19:3-9), J esus appealed to the passage in Genesis 2:24 as Gods word concerning marriage.88 However, in referring to this passage, J esus did not quote from the Hebrew text. As R. C. H. Lenski put it: J esus quotes Gen 2:24, using the LXX [Septuagint] which reproduces the Hebrew exactly save that hoi duo, the two, is added in order to bring out the sense of the original. 89 Eduard Schweizer suggested that the one flesh concept presupposes monogamy. 90 Several scholars have therefore concluded that this phrase also excludes polygamy. 91

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The Practice of the Levirate Custom The only clear reference to this custom is recorded in Matthew 22:23-28 in a dialogue of J esus with the Sadducees.92 The final question posed by the Sadducees was this: In the resurrection therefore, which ones wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife (Luke 20:33). If the six brothers who inherited the woman had already been married, the Sadducees question would have been moot, since it would have been obvious that the wife would have belonged to the first brother only. Thus, crucial to the argument is the assumption that this case involved seven men with only one wife. 93 The later interpretation by the Babylonian Talmud, which indicates that the levirate was not to be practiced polygamously, provides additional support for a monogamous levirate system.94 As Geoffrey Parrinder noted, the teaching of the Rabbis was against a married mans taking a widow as a second wife.95 Thus, as in the Old Testament, the weight of evidence in the New suggests that the levirate was practiced monogamously. The Meaning of Porneia in Acts 15 In a letter sent to the churches by the J erusalem Council, which met around A.D. 49,96 the apostles and elders provided instruction for the new Gentile believers. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28) these early church leaders informed the new believers that, while they did not have to be circumcised, they needed to abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication [porneia] (Acts 15:29). If these four prohibitions are compared with those recorded in Leviticus, it becomes evident, as J Carl Laney states, that when the Council formulated its decision, the . restrictions were recorded in their correct order according to Leviticus 17-18. 97 Recognizing the correspondence between Acts 15 and the levitical laws, Hans Conzelmann concludes: These are the prohibitions of Leviticus 17-18 (in vs 29 they are even in the same order). 98 Conzelmann and others note that these forbidden sexual relationships include more than just the incestuous alliances in the first part of Leviticus 18.99 They aptly observe that the prohibited porneia in Acts 15 includes the various sexual relationships listed in the second part of Leviticus 18 as well. Colin Brown notes that porneia apparently covers all sexual offenses listed in Lev. 18. 100 These include adultery (vs. 20), bestiality (vs. 23), homosexuality (vs. 22), incest (vss. 7-17), and polygamy (vs. 18).101 The restrictions of the laws of Leviticus 17-18 were not only for the Israelites. The concept of inclusiveness, whether he is a native or an alien (Lev 17:15), is repeated several times in this levitical

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legislation,102 indicating that these are universal abominations, 103 which apply to both Israelite and nonIsraelite.104 Thus, similarly the early church, under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28),105 instructed the new Gentile believers that, among other things, all Christians were required to apechomai, i.e., abstain from and give up porneia in all its forms, including the practice of polygamy. Marital Form in 1 Corinthians 7:1-4 1 Corinthians 7 is the only chapter in the New Testament which deals virtually exclusively with marriage. After giving the reason for his instruction, Paul says: Let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband (vs. 2, emphasis added). The distributive concepts, each man (hekastos) and each woman (hekast), point strongly to the fact that there is a single individual on each side of the marital relationship.106 Paul Hamar notes that the term each man suggests a monogamous marriage. 107 He adds: This [term] was applied first to the man, then to the woman. There is to be one mate. 108 Archibald Robertson and Alfred Plummer conclude that this passage forbids polygamy. 109 Scholars recognize that the use of the possessive reflexive pronoun heautou [of himself] and the adjective idion [own] imply monogamy. 110 As Lenski observed: The two accusatives his own wife and her own husband clearly point to monogamy and accord with the original divine institution of marriage. 111 F. W. Grosheide stated: Let have implies that monogamous marriage is a commandment. 112 Commenting on vs. 3, Curtis Morrill aptly states: The Greek word, homois (likewise), between the obligation of the man to the woman and of the woman to the man, stands as an equal sign. Such could never be true in a polygamous family. 113 Verse 4 states that just as the husband has authority over the wifes body, so the wife has authority over the husbands body. Christian Kling notes that this is a reciprocity whereby alone marriage receives and maintains its monogamous character. 114 On this, Morrill observes: This gave the woman the same rights and privileges as her husband had in the sexual relation. Such a thought would be utterly impossible in a polygamous marriage. 115 Thus, 1 Corinthians 7:1-4 contains an accumulative and overwhelming argument in favor of monogamous marriage. 116 The Pauline Privilege117 and Polygamy In the discussion of the treatment of newly converted polygamists, some have referred to Pauls counsel in 1 Corinthians 7:20: Let each man remain in that condition in which he was called. They allege this is the strongest Biblical argument in favor of a responsible and considered policy of admitting families,

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who are converted while in the state of polygamy, to the church. 118 This Pauline privilege supposedly shows that a new believer is not to precipitate the breaking up of his polygamous marriage.119 However, as pointed out above, the first four verses of 1 Corinthians 7 set forth monogamous marriage as the standard for marriages for Christians. It is clear that Pauls counsel in the latter part of the chapter would not conflict with these earlier statements. A second factor that needs to be taken into account relates to vs. 19: Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. Thus, when it is recognized that polygamy is prohibited and monogamy enjoined in Gods law, 120 the summons of vs. 19 for the convert to keep Gods commandments becomes the basis for dissolving all polygamous unions. Robertson and Plummer rightly point out: What is laid down is that, unless ones external condition of life is a sinful one, no violent change in it should be made, simply because one has become a Christian. 121 As J ohn Calvin observed, this condition in which one is called means a lawful mode of life, 122 which would appear to exclude polygamy. When all the salient aspects of 1 Corinthians 7 are taken into account, Paul teaches faithful monogamy for all believers, including new converts. Meaning of Husband of One Wife In the epistles to Timothy and Titus, Paul gave clear counsel about the kind of people to be chosen as leaders. This includes that a leader must be the husband of one wife (1 Tim 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6). This phrase has been debated from ancient times, 123 and has caused much controversy. 124 A variety of interpretations and explanations have been suggested by various scholars and Bible commentators.125 The investigation of the phrase husband of one wife has brought to light several facts. It has been viewed as prohibiting only church leaders from polygamy while permitting laity this practice. Also, it has been interpreted as suggesting that the bishop is married to the church and therefore must remain celibate, that a church leader must be married in order to serve, and that no remarried divorcees or remarried widowers can hold leadership posts in the church. Since each of these views stands in tension with the context and text itself, none has been considered an acceptable interpretation of the contested phrase. However, valid linguistic support can be adduced for understanding the husband of one wife to refer to monogamous fidelity. This idea comes out in the New English Bible rendition, that the leader must be faithful to his one wife (1 Tim 3:2). As Ralph Earle put it: It means monogamy only one wife at one time

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 and that the overseer must be completely faithful to his wife. 126 Nothing in the text or context limits this requirement to only church leaders. In brief, the Pauline writings on marriage are consistent with the original institution in Eden. Polygamy is incompatible with Scripture. Monogamy is enjoined. SYNOPSIS OF PRINCIPLES FROM THIS RESEARCH From a study of the original institution of marriage, the regulations related to polygamy, and the case histories of polygamists in Scripture, several factors significant for polygamy have been observed. The Form of Marriage Instituted in Eden From a scriptural point of view, marriage is not merely a societal convention. According to the Genesis account of the first human couple, God Himself instituted marriage as a special relationship between one man and one woman. Marriage has God as its divine originator and author. Therefore, the fundamental nature and structure of marriage must derive from a consideration of the divine will. The first marriage was unquestioningly monogamous: One man and one woman were joined into a reciprocal relationship in which the two became one flesh. This monogamous union was the prototype or pattern, set up by God as the order and law 127 for all future marriages. This divine design was in essence reinstituted at the worldwide deluge through the monogamous marriages of Noah and his three sons. Thus, the new world began just as the original one had in Eden, with monogamy as Gods standard. The New Testament materials confirm this Old Testament view. In discussing marriage, J esus pointed His listeners back to the norm established by God. By His choice of words, He indicated that monogamy is the divine requirement. This emphasis on monogamy becomes clear in Pauls writings. In a chapter devoted to marital issues, he specifically and repeatedly indicates that true marriage can only be monogamous. His use of language indicates that monogamy is not merely a choice among other types of marital forms. Like the Genesis statement, Paul prescribes monogamy with the force of a command. This evidence shows that, in considering how to deal with polygamists, the church must recognize the sanctity of the marital standard established by the Creator. Monogamy thus appears in the biblical materials not just as an ideal, but rather as the only permissible form of marriage. Laws and Regulations Regarding Polygamy Careful study of Leviticus 18:18 shows that, according to the structural and linguistic contexts, plural marriage was the specific target of this regulation. Leviticus 18:18 is a universal law that distinctly and

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deliberately prohibits polygamy for believer and non-believer alike. A similar legislation is located in Deuteronomy 17:17, among the specific commands for future rulers of the people. Since these rulers were role models for the people, this law also forbade all from practicing plural marriage. As Davidson rightly concludes: The OT consistently condemns plural marriage, either explicitly or implicitly. 128 While in the New Testament nothing is directly stated about polygamy, Acts 15 and the writings of Paul seem to refer to this practice. Among other things, the instructions in Acts 15 indicate that all new Gentile converts must avoid porneia. In outlawing porneia, which in the larger context of Leviticus 17-18 include polygamy, the J erusalem Council in essence prohibited plural marriage. Similarly, the discussion of 1 Corinthians 7, which maintains that monogamy is the standard for all, calls upon new believers to bring their lives into conformity with Gods moral standards. In delineating the qualifications for church leaders, Paul noted that leaders had to show monogamous fidelity. J as with Israels rulers, these leaders were to ust be role models. Thus, this exclusion of polygamy can be seen as applying to all members. These conclusions concur with Ellen White, that the gospel condemns the practice of polygamy. 129 In both the Old and New Testaments, therefore, there appears to be clear evidence forbidding the practice of polygamy. These regulations confirm and support the monogamous law as originally set up. In brief then, as Mavumilusa Makanzu states: The whole of Gods word condemns polygamy. 130 The Cases of Practicing Polygamists Close examination of these narratives showed that in no case was polygamy viewed positively. The move into polygamy occurred when these characters turned away from trusting God and from doing His will. While in no instance was there any divine approval for this type of marital alliance, in most cases some sort of judgment or punishment is indicated. In the cases of Abraham, J acob, and David, their polygamy resulted in jealousy, strife, and tension in the home. In Solomons case his wives led him into apostasy. God interposed in these four cases with messages designed to bring about reformation. In each case there seems to have been a change of life, coupled with a return to a monogamous relationship with the original or remaining wife.131 From available biblical data it is evident that the women and children were not abandoned, but were properly cared for. In connection with these four men who were specifically called by God for a special task, all were summoned prior to becoming polygamous. While Abraham and Solomon were monogamous when God

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called them, J acob and David were set aside by God while still single. Only later did they become polygamous. In fact, there is no record of God calling a polygamist into service for Him or His people. In short, there is no evidence that God ever approved, condoned, or freely permitted132 the polygamous marriages of any Bible characters. Gleason Archer notes that every case of polygamy or concubinage amounted to a failure to follow Gods original model and plan. 133 As Ellen White put it: God has not sanctioned polygamy in a single instance. 134 Instead, as observed above, He worked at bringing all polygamists back to His standard of monogamy. Davidson concurs: God does not condone the sin, but also does not turn away from the sinner, as long as there is any hope of repentant response! CONTEXTUALIZING THE GOSPEL IN DIFFERENT CULTURES The conclusions from the doctoral research study, as summarized above indicate that the Bible maintains that monogamy is the only permissible and legitimate form of marriage. Furthermore, the practice of polygamy is repeatedly prohibited, both in the legislation as well as in the chronicles of Scripture. Thus the question remains: How is one to share the gospel with a practicing polygamist? Admittedly, because missionaries bring a message that often requires radical change, they have at times been perceived as agents of destruction.135 Therefore, all Christians should recognize that only changes essential to Christianity should be undertaken as constructively as possible. To know how best to deal with polygamists who desire admission into the church, it would be well to gain an understanding of the reasons for this form of marriage. For example, polygamy provides a large pool of laborers to provide for the needs of the family. Also, J ohn Mbiti notes that it is instilled in the minds of African peoples that a big family earns its head great respect in the eyes of the community. 136 In ancient times people felt that their safety lay in joining forces.137 Chiefs or kings would marry the women of other tribes or nations, thus forming bonds of friendship, solidarity, and inter-clan loyalty.138 This type of political alliance seem to be the reason behind some marriages of Solomon (1 Kgs 11:1).139 Mavumilusa Makanzu states that polygamy ensures that every woman will be married. 140 Even the unwed mother, who, as David Gitari notes, is a disgrace to the family in most African cultures,141 is taken in as a polygamous wife. Polygamy helps to resolve the problem of the so-called surplus of women. To care for war widows and orphans the Quran allows a man to marry up to four women.142 Generally, the women

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have the responsibility of tilling the ground, planting and harvesting crops, and caring for the needs of the husband; thus, they welcome co-wives who will relieve some of the burden. 143 Since, in many of these societies, divorce proceedings are very complicated and usually discouraged, polygamy is often seen as a better method of handling the problem of an unloved wife.144 In some instances the first wife puts pressure on the husband to get a second wife.145 Eugene Hillman notes that a wife may provoke her husband to take another wife by ridiculing him and calling him a poor man. 146 Being the senior wife increases her own status and authority and gives her power to control the household and to dictate work to the other wife or wives.147 The desire to have many offspring may also relate to the African belief that the dead continue to live through their children. 148 In societies where children are highly valued, the barrenness of a wife could be a powerful factor motivating a husband to take another wife.149 In some societies, where sons are preferred, a man may seek an additional wife hoping she will give birth to a son who will be his heir.150 In certain cultures sexual relations between a husband and his wife are taboo during pregnancy and lactation.151 This period of abstinence from sexual relations may last from two to six years. 152 During this time of waiting a husband may feel the need to take a second wife. A husband may feel a similar concern during his wifes prolonged visits to her faraway relatives.153 Among some peoples women refuse to cohabit once they reach menopause.154 Makanzu maintains that polygamy, which provides husbands for all women, is also a deterrent for women to practice prostitution: With all the women married, there can be no professional prostitution. 155 Additionally, Chidawa Kaburuk contends: One of the reasons for practicing polygyny is the lust of the flesh and selfishness. A man who is lustful is not satisfied with one wife. When he sees another woman, especially a beautiful one, he is stimulated sexually and determines to have her. 156 In brief then, a large variety of factors contribute to the practice of polygamy. Economic and sociopolitical factors, a concern for women and children, personal and religious motivations, and sexual and reproductive reasons all form a network of relationships that contribute to making polygamy desirable. Only within this context of the system of social values can one begin to understand polygamy.157 The Call of the Gospel for Transformation The great commission of J esus, as recorded in Matthew 28:19, 20, challenges Christians to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. This, in itself, is

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a radical call for change. This summons is for change to take place on more than just the intellectual level. It often requires a modification of lifestyle, habits, customs, and traditional practices. As Willem Saayman remarks: Evangelisation, because it involves such a thorough-going re-orientation of the whole person, also involves culture change. 158 The only power that can successfully accomplish this effectively is the gospel of J esus Christ. All Christians are to participate in this change since each person forms a vital part of the church, which is Gods catalyst for transforming culture through the impact of the gospel. 159 Universal Validity of Moral Norms. Samson Obwa notes that, a marriage that is socially or legally acceptable to a state or nation may not necessarily be according to Gods pattern. 160 Thus, the biblical concept of marriage is the only norm against which the practice of polygamy is to be evaluated.161 Indeed, as Walter Trobisch aptly observed, monogamy is not a western concept of marriage pertaining only to one culture. It is a biblical concept, presenting a challenge to all cultures. 162 As indicated above, the Bible reveals that monogamy is the law 163 that God established. On the other hand, He clearly prohibited polygamy. Ellen White concurs with the Scriptures by pointing out that the gospel condemns the practice of polygamy, 164 which is directly opposed to the law of J ehovah, 165 a violation of the law of God, 166 and contrary to His will. 167 Muhlberg, commenting on Ellen White, rightly notes: Her statements make it clear that polygamy is regarded as a sin that must be removed from the life of the believer. 168 Recognizing that polygamy is incompatible with the content of genuine Christian marriage, 169 J oseph Tomko maintains that the gospel cannot be inculturated in this regard. Rather, there must be a profound and radical conversion of peoples and cultures to Christ and to His teachings.170 J as the idolater ust or the murderer is required to discard his former way of life when accepting Christianity, so the polygamist is to be called upon to terminate what he had not realized, prior to accepting Christ, was a sinful practice, 171 and thus live in conformity to Gods universal moral norms. Ways of Changing Cultural Practices. In connection with polygamy, appropriate change can be brought about only when the reasons contributing to its practice are properly understood and suitable functional substitutes can be provided.172 Thus, Saayman notes: The people themselves, in consultation with missionaries, can indicate how their culture might have to change in the light of the gospel. 173 One way to bring people to a sense of their need is by helping them recognize areas in which their traditional belief has not adequately lived up to desires and hopes. For example, one could point out the

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many problems associated with polygamy. Mbiti mentions the frequent quarrels and fights among wives and among children, the neglect of some wives while favoring others, the great burden of educating, disciplining, and caring for the children.174 For example, Daniel Dengas study of delinquents in Nigeria shows the incidence of juvenile delinquency is greater among polygamists than monogamous families.175 Makanzu says polygamy causes financial problems, does not satisfy a womans sexual desires, and fosters social injustice because the rich marry most of the women while the poor are forced to remain single.176 When people are more acutely conscious of the inadequacy of a custom, as concluded from their own observations and based on their own proverbs, they will be more open to considering a new and different practice. At this point in time one of the primary tasks of the Christian worker will be to demonstrate that Christianity can best fulfill the true needs of the individual. While all the factors noted above are useful in facilitating the transformation of a deeply ingrained cultural practice, the most essential ingredient is the power of the gospel itself. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJ If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are V), become new. By means of this new relationship with Christ, it is possible to do all things through Him (Phil 4:13). As Ellen White noted: Whatever is to be done at His command, may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings. 177 The polygamist who wants to become a Christian must recognize that the God of the Bible will provide the power to obey all of His monogamous requirements. METHODS AND PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION Helmut Thielicke, maintains that those who are already Christians are obligated to not become polygamous.178 However, Thielicke postulates that the only possible general rule would seem to be that existing polygamous marriages may be allowed to continue when a person is baptized. 179 Responding to this view, the African evangelist, Mavumilusa Makanzu comments: You cant preach against polygamy and at the same time accept polygamists into your midst. It is a contradiction. You cant be for and against at the same time. Neither do I believe a temporary attitude of tolerance will lead to the disappearance of polygamy. Such a policy would, on the contrary, serve to perpetuate it. . . . The church can no longer make exceptions and special cases. If it does, Christians and non-Christians alike will be confused. 180

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Relevancy of Guidelines for Different Societies No two societies are identical. There is a large divergence of habits and marital practices, even between societies that permit polygamy.181 Recognizing this, it is clear that any policy that attempts to establish all the specific details of how to deal with practicing polygamists who request baptism is bound to result in misapplication and difficulty. William Blum suggests that each particular Church or diocese must examine its own situation prior to forming a relevant policy. 182 Understandably, these church policies must be based on biblical norms. Already these basic principles have been outlined in the previous sections of this essay. Thus, in line with the findings that monogamy is the only acceptable form of marriage and that polygamy is a violation of Gods law, this section will provide a few suggestions. In deciding what approaches to take, local people ought to be involved. With guidance and support, they can decide how to put biblical principles into effect.183 Darrell Wise notes that, in this way the policies will be their policies, 184 not some outsiders requirement. Because the locals better understand the true meaning of polygamy, they will be able to suggest appropriate functional substitutes.185 Nevertheless, the cross-cultural Christian worker can make a meaningful contribution to this issue. Spiritual Transformation and Mental Reeducation William Reyburn indicates that the deepseated emotion that lies behind polygamy is the desire for power.186 Thus, the Christian worker should communicate a gospel that speaks to the roots of his real need and show him that Christ is the ultimate answer to the power problem of his heart. 187 As Samson Obwa indicates, the Scriptures also teach that for the Christian, the matter of heir and inheritance have a higher perspective than gaining earthly inheritance or leaving an heir to continue ones lineage. 188 In essence, every one of the functions fulfilled by polygamy should be appropriately replaced so that those coming out of this practice may be able to continue as normal a life as possible. These elements include prestige, certain religious beliefs, inheritance customs, family defense, widow security, the status of women, an adequate workforce, sexual practices, and sex taboo adjustments. For this task a well-trained marriage counselor, acquainted with the customs, needs, and desires of the people, is a necessity.189 Closely allied to the concern for wealth are the issues of power, prestige, and pride.190 Reyburn suggests that the gospel message should communicate the power of service for others. 191 Similarly, Obwa proposes that all Christians, including polygamists, need to be taught that true greatness lies in humility and

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service to others. 192 Moreover, prestige can be resolved, as J ames Karibwije notes, by recognizing that to be called a child of God and a friend of J esus Christ is more than the prestige one can get in this world. 193 Thus, the fulfillment provided by polygamy will be satisfied in helping others, and in acknowledging that the prestige in Christianity is eternal while other prestige is temporary. 194 Attitudes toward sexual issues need to considerable readjustment. First, the issue of childlessness needs to be addressed. While barrenness can be a problem in marriage, Karibwije notes that, it is also true that a childless marriage can be a true and good one. 195 Tied in with this concern is the matter of who will carry on the family name and inherit the family property. Obwa suggests that the believer focus on Gods promise of eternal inheritance, and on the fact that each Christian is an heir of Gods kingdom.196 A Few Proposed Practical Procedures Francis Arinze correctly observes that, while strict compliance with the demands of monogamy should be a condition for full communion with the Church, due consideration in charity and justice should be given to all members of the polygamous family unit that has already been built up. 197 First, the ex-wives need to be cared for.198 One writer mentions a case of a polygamist (with three wives), who, having applied for baptism, promptly arranged for the livelihood (food, housing, clothes) of the two wives he was leaving. 199 One denomination provided homes at every mission station where these women could go and support themselves.200 When this is done, Christianity will not be regarded as a religion which breaks up families when people see that the divorced women and their children are well treated. 201 A better solution is for the dismissed wives to find husbands. According to Willard Burce, this not only tends to prevent relapses, but helps to assure the care, support, and social integration of the wives and their children. 202 In some societies remarriage for these women is not difficult, if the dowry is properly returned.203 Such marriages also reduce the chances of these women becoming prostitutes.204 Addressing the issue of childlessness, Obwa maintains that this should not be the occasion either for divorce or to procure an additional wife. 205 Rather, if no medical help can solve the problem, then the couple could be advised to adopt children of their choice. 206 This practice has already succeeded in some situations.207 On this issue of adoption, Diane DSouza notes that polygamy is virtually unknown among Muslims in China because infertile couples commonly adopt children to build a family. 208

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In connection with the need for an adequate workforce, Obwa comments: To acquire a wife for her labor obviously is not a good ground for marriage. She will be no more than a slave. 209 Rather, if a man is wealthy enough to get another wife, Obwa notes he should then hire laborers to work for him.210 Finally, the church itself needs to provide as much support as possible through specially trained workers. Marriage counselors, who understand the particular problems attending dissolved polygamous unions, need to be available in every polygamous society where evangelism is being carried out. Pastors and chaplains ought to be instructed on how to deal with these issues. Legal specialists should also be available. Perhaps most importantly, the entire congregation should be instructed and encouraged to assist in loving and caring ways as each new convert seeks to adjust to a new way of living. In practical ways, every member of the converted, former polygamous family should be properly cared for. Summary and Conclusion of Contextualization and Implementation Radical conversion can only be happen by Gods grace. As J oseph Tomko says: Acceptance of Christian marriage, in its evangelical identity, is the most concrete proof of such a conversion. 211 Admittedly, this Bible-based, Spirit of Prophecy supported, principled perspective, that no polygamists who continue living in plural marriage be baptized, could result in fewer accessions to the church. However, as W. T. Bartlett stated in connection with polygamy: We aim to follow the Word of God in all respects, and even though that should hinder our work and keep many people out of the church, we would rather have only a few people who are loyal to the word of God in all respects than a multitude who have come in at a compromise. At all costs we should hold to the word of God. 212 In the final analysis, the true measure of any gospel workers success must be the way the local Christians apply biblical principles sensitively and intelligently to their own problem.213 This is the goal toward which all indigenous and cross-cultural Christian workers should diligently strive, for Gods glory. ENDNOTES
1. For an in-depth analysis of the issue of plural marriage in Scripture, see the doctoral research of the author of this article, published in its edited and expanded form as Ronald A. G. du Preez, Polygamy in the Bible (Berrien Springs, M I: ATS Publications, 1993), of w hich this document is excerpted and summarized. For the sake of space, some footnotes have been reduced, w hen not critical to the discussion, etc. 2. Jacques M aquet and Joan R. Rayfield, Africanity: The Cultural U nity of Black Africa, trans. Joan R. Rayfield (N ew York: O xford U niversity Press, 1972), 73; Bronislaw M alinow ski, Sex, Culture, and M yth (N ew York: H arcourt, Brace & W orld, 1962), 31. 3. Richard W . Schw arz, Light Bearers to the Remnant (M ountain View , CA: Pacific Press, 1979), 362; John A. Kisaka, The Adventist Churchs Position and Response to Socio-Cultural Issues in Africa (D .M in. project report, Andrew s U niversity, 1979). 4. See Lois Lamy~ Ibsen al Faruqi, M arriage in Islam, Journal of Ecumenical Studies 22 (1985): 61.

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5. See Q uran 4:3; D iane D Souza, The M uslim Practice of Polygamy, Bulletin of the H enry M artyn Institute of Islamic Studies 8 (July-September 1985): 71. 6. Additional research, as of August 2006, reveals that a few articles have been produced regarding polygamy in the Bible, that have implications for evangelism. This includes Russell Staples, Evangelism Among Resistant Peoples w ith D eeply Entrenched Polygamy, 2003, TM s [photocopy], Center for Adventist Research, James W hite Library, Andrew s U niversity, Berrien Springs, M I (hereafter designated as CAR). [W ith minor unsubstantial modifications, this paper is to be published in the Journal of Adventist M ission Studies, 2:1 (2006), forthcoming]. W hile this paper of Staples makes a contribution in that it highlights some of the challenges arising from the present policy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church regarding polygamy, the approach of Staples has several serious problems. Besides being poorly documented, biblically inaccurate, repeatedly speculative, this paper ignores the primary scriptural passages on polygamy, fails to do any exegesis of crucial texts (yet relies on a paraphrastic Bible version), and builds upon a traditional view rather than upon the text itself. Roy Gane has also w ritten an article, to be published in the Journal of Adventist M ission Studies, 2:1 (2006), forthcoming. H is study, Some Biblical Principles Relevant to Evangelism Among Polygamous Peoples, suffers from unsubstantiated and misleading assumptions, speculative reasoning, a lack of serious exegesis on crucial O ld and N ew Testament texts, a flaw ed concept of progressive revelation, the unbiblical view of teleological ethics, and an ignoring (and thus contradicting) of Ellen W hites w ritings regarding polygamy and polygamists. H ence, his study has nothing of substance to contribute to this essay regarding The Cases of Polygamous Converts. A third article, to be published, is by Stefan Hschele, Polygamy Among the Tanzanian Maasai and the Seventh-day Adventist Church: Reflections on a Missiological and Theological Problem, Journal of Adventist M ission Studies, 2:1 (2006), forthcoming. His work is not of any value in this discussion either, since it is based on a humanistic approach, teleological ethics (in which the end justifies the means), a lack of any real consideration of Scripture, and some false claims (such as alleging that the biblical doctoral research that disproves his view argues from silence, and that the view that supports his stance is a doctorate in the field of theology). Unfortunately, these three current articles on polygamy, the Bible, and evangelism, do not do any careful investigation of the textual evidence on this matter; moreover, they fail to adequately address the evidence produced in Ronald A. G. du Preez, Polygamy in the Bible with Implications for Seventh-day Adventist Missiology (D.Min. project dissertation, Andrews University, 1993); and, furthermore, they ignore the meticulous research done by very competent biblical scholars (as noted below), whose conclusions directly contradict their speculative and cursory reading of biblical materials. 7. J. S. W right and J. A. Thompson, M arriage, The N ew Bible D ictionary (1962), 787. 8. W alter W egner, Gods Pattern for the Family in the O ld Testament, in Family Relationships and the Church: A Sociological, H istorical, and Theological Study of Family Structures, Roles, and Relationships, M arriage and Family Research Series, ed. O scar E. Feucht (Saint Louis: Concordia, 1970), 29 (emphasis original). 9. Ludw ig Koehler and W alter Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1958), 591. 10. Gerhard von Rad, O ld Testament Theology, vol. 1, The Theology of Israels H istorical Traditions, trans. D . M . G. Stalker (N ew York: H arper & Brothers, 1962), 149. 11. C. F. Keil and F. D elitzsch, The Pentateuch, 3 vols., Biblical Commentary on the O ld Testament, trans. James M artin (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1952), 1:90. See also, M errill F. U nger, U ngers Commentary on the O ld Testament, 2 vols. (Chicago: M oody, 1981), 1:14; A. Cohen, ed., The Soncino Chumash (Surrey, England: Soncino Press, 1947), 12; H ow ard F. Vos, Genesis (Chicago: M oody, 1982), 25; F. D . N ichol, ed., Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, rev. ed., 7 vols. (W ashington, D C: Review and H erald, 1976-1980), 1:227 (hereafter designated as SD A Bible Commentary). For a more detailed study of M atthew 19:5 see chapter 5 of Polygamy in the Bible. 12. Rein M uhlberg, Polygamy An Adventist Response, 2000, TM s [photocopy], p. 1, CAR. 13. SD A Bible Commentary, 1:227. See also, Keil and D elitzsch, The Pentateuch, 1:90. 14. See Gen 6-9. 15. Tryggve Kronholm, Polygami och M onogami I Gamla Testamentet: M ed en U tblick over den Antika Judendomen och N ya Testamentet, Svensk Exegetisk Arsbok 47 (1982): 66. 16. Some scholars have recognized something rather unusual in connection w ith the H ebrew terms used to refer to the clean and unclean animals taken into the ark. In Gen 7:2, instead of the normal w ords for male (z~kr) and female (n eqb~h), the phrase e w eeit ( a man and his w ife ) is used to describe the animals. It has been suggested that this phrase, the male and his mate (N RSV), w as used by the w riter to indicate that all living creatures that entered the ark, w hether birds, animals, or hum an beings, w ere classified as being in a monogamous relationship. See Samuel H . D resner, H omosexuality and the O rder of Creation, Judaism 40 (Summer 1991): 313. Cf. U mberto Cassuto, A Commentary on the Book of Genesis, part 2, From N oah to Abraham, trans. Israel Abrahams (Jerusalem: M agnes Press, H ebrew U niversity, 1964), 73-74. 17. Clifton R. M aberly, The Polygamous Variant: The Policy and Practice of a Church, 1975, TM s [photocopy], p. 5, CAR; see also, Great D iscussion! D oes the Bible Sanction Pol ygam y!, [A D ebate Betw een O rson Pratt and J. P. N ew man], (Baltimore: J. S. D ye, 1874),15. 18. D resner, 313. 19. Great D iscussion! D oes the Bible Sanction Polygamy!, 15. 20. D resner, 313. 21. Cf. D ouglas E. W el ch, A Biblical Perspective on Polygamy (M .A. thesis, Fuller Theological Seminary, 1977), 47; Louis M . Epstein, The Institution of Concubinage Among the Jew s, Proceedings of the American Academ y for Jew ish Research 6 (1934-1935):168; Polygamy Among the Jew s, 415-416. 22. See, for example, H illman w ho says: In the M osaic law polygamy is clearly regarded as a normal and licit practice (cf. Exod. 21:10; Lev. 18:18; D eut. 21:15-17); Eugene H illman, Polygamy Reconsidered: African Plural M arriage and the Christian Church (M aryknoll, N Y: O rbis, 1975), 145. O moregbe posits: The O ld Testament itself recognizes polygamy as a valid law ful form of marriage along w ith monogamy [Ex 21:10 footnoted]; Joseph O moregbe, Is Polygamy Compatible w ith Christianity? African Ecclesial Review 21 (): 364. 23. H illman, 145. 24. W alter C. Kaiser, Jr., Tow ard O ld Testament Ethics (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1983), 187 (emphasis original).

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25. Am ong others, see Lew is Grout, A Reply to Bishop Colensos Remarks on the Proper Treatment of Cases of Polygamy as Found Already Existing in Converts from H eathenism (Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: M ay & D avis, 1855), 13; Great D iscussion! D oes the Bible Sanction Polygamy!, 33; J ames Comper Gray, and George M . Adams, The Biblical Encyclopedia, 5 vols. (Cleveland: F. M . Barton, 1903), 1:512. 26. Jacob Rabinow itz also suggests this option, as a result of his study of a fourth century B.C. D emotic marriage contract from the reign of Alexander IV. This document discusses the treatment of a firstborn son of an unloved w oman w ho w as apparently divorced. From his research, Rabinow itz has concluded that it is possible that the Egyptians borrow ed this marriage legislation from the Jew s. H e proposes, on linguistic grounds, that D euteronomy 21:15-17 is not discussing a polygamous situation but rather a home in w hich a man has had tw o w ives, a second after the divorce of the first. See Jacob J. Rabinow itz, M arriage Contracts in Ancient Egypt in the Light of J ish Sources, H arvard ew Theological Review 46 (January 1953): 91-97. 27. See Kaiser, 187. 28. Ibid. 29. See, for example, G. R. D river and John C. M iles, eds. The Assyrian Law s (O xford, England: Clarendon Press, 1935), 53. 30. The w ord levirate comes from the Latin levir, meaning husbands brother, or brother-in-law . See Websters N ew World D ictionary, (1988), s.v. Levirate. 31. H illman, 158. See also, Edw ard W estermarck, The H istory of H uman M arriage, 5th ed., 3 vols. (London: M acmillan and Co., 1921), 3:41-42; Anatosi Katuramu, Polygamy and the Church in Africa (Chicago: N .p., 1977), 16; Parrinder, 23; M arcus Cohn, M arriage, The U niversal Jew ish Encyclopedia, (1942), 7:369-376; Bernard H aring, Evangelization Today (N otre D ame, IN : Fides, 1974), 153; N orman L. Geisler, Ethics: Alternatives and Issues (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971), 206; M . D . W . J effreys, Polygny [sic] in the Christian Fold, Practical Anthropology 19 (M arch-April 1972): 85. 32. W right and Thompson, 789. 33. H erbert C. Leupold, Exposition of Genesis, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1953), 980 (emphasis added). 34. W ishard, 50. See also Great D iscussion! D oes the Bible Sanction Polygamy!, 34. 35. E. N eufeld, Ancient H ebrew M arriage Law s (London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1944), 38. See also Samuel Belkin, Levirate and Agnate M arriage in Rabbinic and Cognate Literature, The J ish Q uarterly Review 60 (1969ew 1970): 285-286; Kaiser, 191; Lev 25. 36. W . W hite, 498. W ishard says that alw ays the kinsman w ho took in marriage the w idow of the deceased kinsman w as unmarried; Samuel Ellis W ishard, The D ivine Law of M arriage, O r, The Bible Against Polygamy (N ew York: American Tract Society, 1816), 50. 37. Roland de Vaux, Ancient Israel: Its Life and Times, trans. John M cH ugh (London: D arton, Longman & Todd, 1961), 26. See also Kronholm, 70. 38. N ote that the allegory used by Jesus i n Luke 16:19-31 faces similar dangers if taken literally and interpreted w ithout a recognition of its contextual usage. 39. John M urray, Principles of Conduct (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1957), 251. 40. M . M . Kalisch, Leviticus, part 2, A H istorical and Critical Commentary on the O ld Testament w ith a N ew Translation (London: Longmans, Green, Reader, and D yer, 1872), 373. 41. See Angelo Tosato, The Law of Leviticus 18:18: A Reexamination, Catholic Biblical Q uarterly 46 (1984): 199214. 42. Tosato, 203. 43. Ibid., 205-206. 44. See, for example, J P. Porter, Leviticus, The Cambridge Bible Commentary (Cambridge, England: Cambridge . U niversity Press, 1976), 148; S. H . Kellogg, The Book of Leviticus, The Expositors Bible (N ew York: A. C. Armstrong and Son, 1908), 2:383; Christopher W ordsw orth, The Five Books of M oses, 3d ed., vol. 1, The H ol y Bible, in the Authorized Version; w ith N otes and Introductions (London: Rivingtons, W aterloo Place, 1869), part 2, 59; Great D iscussion! D oes the Bible Sanction Polygamy!, 31. 45. The temporary nature of this law further differentiates it from those on incest, w hich are implicitly of perpetual duration. 46. See Seventh-day Adventist Bible D ictionary (1979), s.v. Sister ; K. E. Corley, Sister, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, rev. ed. (1988), 4:534. 47. Tosato, 208. 48. Ibid., 203. 49. Louis Ginzberg, An U nknow n J ish Sect (N ew York: Jew ish Theological Seminary of America, 1976), 19. See ew also, Chaim Rabin, ed., The Zadokite D ocuments (O xford, England: Clarendon Press, 1954), 17. Rabin translates the phrase from this document as marrying tw o w omen in their (masc.) lifetime; 16. 50. See, for example, Kaiser, 116-117, 185-186; John M urray, 250-256; H . D . M . Spence and Joseph S. Exell, eds., The Pulpit Commentary, vol. 2, Leviticus, N umbers (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1977), 274-275. 51. W ordsw orth, vol. 1, part 2, 58. 52. Kalisch notes that after the Protestant Reformation this non-reciprocal, idiomatic translation w as again suggested by O ld Testament translators Franciscus Junius and Emmanuel Tremellius in 1575 (see Kalisch, 397). W ordsw orth indicates that the follow ing also held to this figurative interpretation of Lev 18:18: Johannes D rusius (1550-1616), Professor of H ebrew at O xford; Abraham Calovius (1612-1686), Professor of Theology at W ittenberg; Theodore Beza (1519-1605), O ld Testament translator, and Professor of Greek at the Academy of Lausanne; H enry Ainsw orth (15601623), a H ebrew scholar; H enry H ammond (1605-1660), Chaplain to Charles I; and Johann Friedrich Schleusner (1759-

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1831), lexicographer, and Theology Professor at Gttingen (see W ordsw orth, vol. 1, part 2, 58). In addition to those mentioned in the text, more recent scholars w ho have held to the non-reciprocal, idiomatic rendition include 19th century U .S. Senate Chaplain J. P. N ew man (see Great D iscussion! D oes the Bible Sanction Polygamy!, 31), and Presbyterian Systematic Theologian John M urray (see John M urray, 250-252). 53. Richard M . D avidson, Revelation/Inspiration in the O ld Testament: A Critique of Alden Thompsons Incarnational M odel, in Issues in Revelation and Inspiration, Adventist Theological Society O ccasional Papers, ed. Frank H olbrook and Leo Van D olson (Berrien Springs, M I: Adventist Theological Society Publications, 1992), 121. 54. Ibid., 104. See also Kaiser on the issue of universal law in connection w ith sexual matters; 117-119, 196, 197. 55. O r a w oman unto another; YLT. The alternate rendering in the KJV similarly states: N either shalt thou take one w ife to another. 56. John M urray, 253. 57. Gordon Paul H ugenberger, M arriage as a Covenant: A Study of Biblical Law and Ethics Governing M arriage D eveloped from the Perspective of M alachi, Supplements to Vetus Testamentum, vol. LII (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1994), 115. H ugenberger provides seven persuasive exegetical arguments in favor of this hermeneutically-sound conclusion he draw s from the text and its context. 58. Richard M . D avidson, Flame of Yahw eh: A Theology of Sexuality in the O ld Testament (H endricksen: Peabody, M A, 2006), forthcoming. See, chapter 5: M onogamy vs. Polygamy/Concubinage. 59. See John M urray, w ho notes that this interpretation w ould hark back to the original ordinance of monogamy; 253. 60. See Grout, 16. 61. See also, Ps 20:8; Isa 2:7-9; 30:1-7; Amos 2:15; 4:10; M ic 5:10-15. 62. See also Ps 33:17: A horse is a false hope for victory. 63. As D avid Smith put it: Tw ice one are tw o, and this is multiplication; D avid H yrum Smith, The Bible Versus Polygamy (Plano, IL: Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter D ay Saints, True Latter D ay Saints H erald O ffice, 1983), 9. See also, Great D iscussion! D oes the Bible Sanction Polygamy!, 50; Grout, 16. N ote, how ever, that the root meaning of r~b~h is increase, and not necessarily multiply in the mathematical sense. 64. See, for example, D eut 17:19; cf. 6:7; 8:1; 11:1; also, D eut 17:20; cf. 8:14; also, D eut 17:17; cf. 8:13-17. 65. Patrick D . M iller, D euteronomy, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Louisville: John Knox, 1990), 148-149 (emphasis original). See also Robert J. H itchens, M ultiple M arriage: A Study of Polygamy in Light of the Bible (Elkton, M D : D oulos Publishers, 1987),128. 66. A recent study, seeks to dismiss the counsel of Ellen W hite. The perceptive reader w ill observe that, built upon speculation and assumption, the author essentially denies the biblical concept of revelation-inspiration in the ministry of Ellen W hite; see Staples, Evangelism Among Resistant Peoples w ith D eeply Entrenched Polygamy, 18-23. 67. Ellen G. W hite, Spiritual Gifts, 4 vols. (Battle Creek, M I: Steam Press of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, 1864; reprint, W ashington, D C: Review and H erald, 1945), 4a:100 (emphasis added). 68. Ibid. 69. D avidson, Flame of Yahw eh, forthcoming. See chapter 5: M onogamy vs. Polygamy/Concubinage. 70. Ibid., 21. 71. Ibid. 72. In Polygamy in the Bible this is by far the longest chapter, covering over a hundred pages (138-246). Those w anting the clear biblical evidence for the conclusions provided in this section, need to read this entire chapter 4. 73. M arcus D ods, The Book of Genesis, The Expositors Bible (N ew York: A. C. Armstrong and Son, 1908), 50. 74. Ibid., 51. 75. See Jas 2:23; cf. 2 Chr 20:7; Isa 41:8. 76. M uhlberg, 3. 77. Ellen G. W hite, The Story of Redemption (W ashington, D C: Review and H erald, 1980), 80; Ellen G. W hite, Patriarchs and Prophets (M ountain View , CA: Pacific Press, 1958), 147. 78. W illiam D . Summers, M arriage: O r, The Bible and Polygamy (N .p.: N .p., 1886), 24. This vi ew i s also held by others, such as, Gunnar H elander, M ust We Introduce M onogamy? A Study of Polygamy as a M ission Problem in South Africa (Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: Shuter & Shooter, 1958), 24; H arry Boer, Polygamy, Frontier 11 (Spring 1968): 25; M oyenda N osakhere, The Path Tow ard Liberation: U nderstanding the N eed for Polygamy in the African-American Christian Community (N ashville, TN : Imani Publications, 1991), 25-26. 79. James K. H offmeier, Zipporah, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, rev. ed. (1988), 4:1201. See also John Joseph O w en, N umbers, The Broadman Bible Commentary (N ashville: Broadman, 1970), 2:118; N . H . Snaith, Leviticus and N umbers, The N ew Century Bible (London: Thomas N elson and Sons, 1967), 234. Although this parallel usage of Cush and M idian appears in H abakkuk, several centuries after M oses, i t i s possible that these terms w ere already synonymous in M oses day. 80. W hite, Patriarchs and Prophets, 383; see also idem, Spiritual Gifts, 4a:19-20. 81. Judg 6:12 (RSV). 82. Ellen G. W hite, Gods Justice Vindicated, The Signs of the Times, 4 August 1881, 337. 83. W hite, Patriarchs and Prophets, 569. 84. W hite, Spiritual Gifts, 4a:87. 85. W hite, Patriarchs and Prophets, 723.

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86. 2 Sam 12:25 (N IV) reads: And because the Lord loved him [i.e., Solomon], he sent w ord through N athan the prophet to name him Jedidiah, (w hich means loved by the Lord ). 87. D avidson, Flame of Yahw eh, forthcoming. See chapter 5: M onogamy vs. Polygamy/Concubinage. 88. See John M urray, 29; Keil and D elitzsch, The Pentateuch, 1:90; R. C. H . Lenski, The Interpretation of St. M atthew s Gospel (M inneapolis, M N : Augsburg Publishing H ouse, 1961), 729. 89. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. M atthew s Gospel, 729. 90. Eduard Schw eizer, The Good N ew s According to M ark, trans. D onald H . M advig (Richmond: John Knox, 1970), 203. See also, M avumilusa M akanzu, Can the Church Accept Polygamy? (Accra, Ghana: Asempa Publishers, 1983), 62; Kronholm, 88; Godfrey E. Phillips, The O ld Testament in the World Church, Lutterw orth Library, vol. 13, M issionary Research Series, 2 (London: Lutterw orth Press, 1942), 124. 91. E. Earle Ellis, Adultery, Bakers D ictionary of Christian Ethics (1973), 10. See also Gray and Adams, 4:99; Kronholm, 86; Frederick C. Grant, Introduction and Exegesis of the Gospel According to M ark, The Interpreters Bible (N ashville: Abingdon, 1979), 7:796. 92. For the parallel accounts, see M ark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-33. 93. Stanley M . H orton, M atthew , N ew Testament Study Bible, The Complete Biblical Library (Springfield: Complete Biblical Library, 1986), 479. 94. See, for example, Babylonian Talmud Yebamoth 44a, 50a-b. 95. Parrinder, 26. 96. See SD A Bible Commentary, 6:304; Lenski notes that Zahn dates the council in the spring of 52; others place it earlier; R. C. H . Lenski, The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles (M inneapolis: Augsburg, 1961), 592. 97. J. Carl Laney, The D ivorce M yth (M inneapolis: Bethany, 1981), 73. 98. H ans Conzelmann, Acts of the Apostles, trans. James Limburg, A. Thomas Kraabel, and D onald H . Juel, H ermeneia: A Critical and H istorical Commentary on the Bible (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1987), 118. 99. See Conzelmann, 119; J erome Crow e, The Acts, N ew Testament M essage: A Biblical-Theological Commentary (W ilmington, D E: M ichael Glazier, 1979), 117. The SD A Bible Commentary, recognizing the connection betw een porneia in Acts 15 and the entire chapter of Leviticus 18, notes: In regard to fornication, the Levitical law against every form of unchastity w as rightly strict (Lev. 18; 20:10-21); 6:312. 100. Colin Brow n, Separate, D ivide: D ivorce, Separation and Remarriage, The N ew International D ictionary of N ew Testament Theology (1978), 3:538. 101. That Lev 18:18 is a law against polygamy w as show n in chapter 3 of Polygamy in the Bible. 102. See Lev 17:8, 10, 13, 15; 18:24, 25. 103. D avidson, Revelation/Inspiration in the O ld Testament: A Critique of Alden Thompsons Incarnational M odel, 121. 104. Gerhard F. H asel, Clean and U nclean M eats in Leviticus 11: Still Relevant? Journal of the Adventist Theological Society 2 (Autumn 1991): 103-104. 105. See F. F. Bruce, Apostle of the H eart Set Free (Grand Rapids: Ee), 298; SD A Bible Commentary, 6:314. 106. See Curtis G. M orrill, The Arguments for Christian M onogamy in First Corinthians 7:2-5" (B.D iv. monograph, Grace Theological Seminary, 1942), 34. 107. Paul A. H amar, 1 Corinthians, N ew Testam ent Study Bible, The Complete Biblical Library (Springfield: Complete Biblical Library, 1986), 329. 108. Ibid. 109. Archibald Robertson and Alfred Plummer, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the First Epistle of St Paul to the Corinthians, 2d ed., The International Critical Commentary (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1914), 133. 110. W illiam F. O rr and James Arthur W alther, 1 Corinthians, The Anchor Bible (Garden City, N Y: D oubleday, 1976), 206. See also, F. W . Grosheide, Commentary on the First Epistle to the Corinthians, The N ew International Commentary on the N ew Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1953), 155; N orman L. Geisler, Christian Ethics: O ptions and Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1989), 280; SD A Bible Commentary, 6:706. 111. R. C. H . Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Pauls First and Second Epi stles to the Corinthians (M inneapolis: Augsburg, 1961), 274. 112. Grosheide, 155. See also H amar, 329. 113. M orrill, 40. 114. Christian Friedrich Kling, The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, trans. D aniel W . Poor, A Commentary on the H oly Scriptures: Critical, D octrinal and H omiletical, w ith Special Reference to M inisters and Students (N ew York: Charles Scribners Sons, 1915), 141. 115. M orrill, 41. 116. M orrill, 45. 117. Generally, the term Pauline privilege has been understood as referring to Pauls statem ent that divorce is permissible w hen an unbelieving spouse chooses to dissolve a marriage. See, for example, Bruce Vaw ter, D ivorce and the N ew Testament, Catholic Biblical Q uarterly 39 (O ctober 1977): 536-537. H ow ever, since the term Pauline privilege has also been used in connection w ith polygamy, it is considered below in this framew ork. See J ean-Jacques Bouit, A Christian Consideration of Polygamy, (D .M in. project report, Andrew s U niversity, 1981), 106. 118. Russell Staples, The Church and Polygamy in Sub-Saharan Africa, 1981, TM s [photocopy], p. 33, CAR.

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119. Bouit, 106. Similarly, Staples maintains that the Pauline privilege may mean, by extension, that if a man is converted in a polygamous state of marriage, . . . he may be permitted to bring w ives w ith w hom he has a positive and enduring relationship into the church w ith him; Staples, The Church and Polygamy in Sub-Saharan Africa, 34. 120. W hite, Spiritual Gifts 3:63. It should be noted that certain things such as rape, fornication, bestiality, and incest are not directly mentioned in the decalogue. Yet they are understood as part of the moral law . It is this broader sense of moral law that is referred to here. 121. Robertson and Plummer, 145. O ther Bible scholars agree; see Kling, 152; J ean H ering, The First Epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, trans. A. W . H eathcote, and P. J. Allcock (London: Epw orth, 1962), 54. 122. John Calvin, Commentary on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, trans. John Pringle (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1948), 1:248. Paul discusses w hat kinds of activities are law ful and w hich are not law ful for the Christian. See, for example, 1 Cor 6:9-11; 13; Gal 5:19-26; Eph 5; 6. 123. Fred D . Gealy, Introduction and Exegesis of the First and Second Epistles to Timothy and the Epistle to Titus, The Interpreters Bible (N ashville: Abingdon, 1980), 11:410. 124. E. K. Simpson, The Pastoral Epistles: The Greek Text w ith Introduction and Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1954), 50. See also, Charles R. Erdman, The Pastoral Epistles of Paul (Philadelphia: W estminster, 1943), 39. 125. See, for example, the view s listed by the follow ing: SD A Bible Commentary, 7:297-298; Gealy, 410-412; C. H . D odd, N ew Testament Translation Problems II, The Bible Translator 28 (January 1977): 112-116; Robert Pearson, A H istorical and Grammatical Analysis of the Phrase H usband of O ne W ife (Th.M . thesis, W estern Conservative Baptist Seminary, 1972), 38-87; W alter Lock, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles, The International Critical Commentary (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1924), 36-38. 126. Ralph Earle, 1, 2 Timothy, The Expositors Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1978), 11:364. 127. Ellen G. W hite, The Great Controversy Betw een Christ and H is Angels and Satan and H is Angels: The Flood, Signs of the Times, 27 February 1879, 66. 128. D avidson, Flame of Yahw eh, forthcoming. See chapter 5: M onogamy vs. Polygamy/Concubinage. 129. Ellen G. W hite, The W ork of a Peace-M aker, Signs of the Times, 26 O ctober 1888, 642. 130. M akanzu, 65. 131. In Solomons case too little information is recorded to know w hich w ife he l ived w ith after he apparently terminated his polygamy. 132. That is, just as God did not freely permit murder, lying, incest, etc. Yet people indulged in these sins, often w ith no recorded explicit divine judgment. 133. Gleason L. Archer, Encyclopedia of Bible D ifficulties (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1982), 122. 134. W hite, The Story of Redemption, 76. 135. See Barry D avid O liver, Polygamy and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Papua N ew Guinea, 1986, TM s [photocopy], p. 35, CAR. 136. John S. M biti, African Religions & Philosophy (N ew York: Frederick A. Prager, 1969), 142. 137. S. Ananda, Kumar, Culture in the O ld Testament, in D ow n to Earth: Studies in Christianity and Culture, ed. Robert T. Coote, and J ohn Stott (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980), 46. 138. See H orner, 176. 139. See D arrell Lee W ise, African Polygamy Reexamined (M .Th. thesis, Southw estern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1987), 34. 140. M akanzu, 16. See also, H orner, 174. 141. Gitari, 7. See also, James E. Karibw ije, Polygamy and the Church in N igeria: A Study of Various Christian Positions (M .A. thesis, Trinity Evangelical D ivinity School, 1986), 10. 142. Q uran 4:3. See also, Tabish N oori, A Comparative Study of Polygamy in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Review of Religions 80 (April 1985): 27; Ismat M ahdi, Sanctity of M arriage in Islam, Bulletin of the H enry M artyn Institute of Islamic Studies 8 (July-September 1985): 62. 143. H itchens, 110. See also, Samson O simbo O bw a, Polygamy Among the Southern Luo of Kenya: A Critique of Both the Practice of Polygamy and the Reaction of M ission-Founded Churches to It in the Light of Biblical Teaching (M .A. thesis, Columbia Graduate School of Bible and M issions, 1978), 16; W illiam D . Reyburn, Polygamy, Economy, and Christianity in the Eastern Cam eroun, in Readings in M issionary Anthropology II, enlarged edition, ed. W illiam A. Smalley (Pasadena, CA: W illiam Carey Library, 1978), 259. 144. See Gitari, 8-9; H itchens, 113. 145. H itchens, 111; W ise, 27. 146. H illman, 120. See also, W alter A. Trobisch, Congregational Responsibility and the Christian Individual, Practical Anthropology 13 (September-O ctober 1966): 205-207; Reyburn, 256. 147. W ise, 27; H itchens, 111; H oran, 445-446; Reyburn, 259. 148. H itchens, 112. 149. See M biti, 143; Karibw ije, 11; W ise, 21; H itchens, 105-106; Kumar, 45; Gitari, 8; H illman, 115. 150. See O bw a, 15. 151. See, for example, Chidaw a B. Kaburuk, Polygyny in the O ld Testament and the Church in Africa (S.T.M . thesis, D allas Theological Seminary, 1976), 27; Karibw ije, 9; M akanzu, 14; Reyburn, 258. 152. H itchens, 108. 153. Ibid., 112. See also, Reyburn, 258.

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154. See Gitari, 8; O bw a, 18. 155. M akanzu, 17. 156. Kaburuk, 20-21. 157. See M asamba ma M polo, Polygamy and the Status of Women in African Churches: A Psycho-Social Approach to Pastoral Theology (N .p.: N .p., 1975), 21. 158. W illem A. Saayman, Intercultural Evangelism, M issionalia 18 (N ovember 1990): 310. 159. M orris A. Inch, D oing Theology Across Cultures (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1982), 93. 160. O bw a, 57-58. 161. Bouit, 26-27. 162. W alter A. Trobisch, M y W ife M ade M e a Polygamist, H ere Is M y Problem, Series 1, Kehl/Rheim (Germany: Editions Trobisch, 1980), 25. 163. W hite, The Great Controversy Betw een Christ and H is Angels and Satan and H is Angels: The Flood, 66. 164. W hite, The W ork of a Peace-M aker, 642. 165. Ellen G. W hite, M anuscript Releases, 10 vols. (Silver Spring, M D : E. G. W hite Estate, 1981-1990), 7:74. 166. W hite, Patriarchs and Prophets, 145. 167. W hite, The Story of Redemption, 76. 168. M uhlberg, 1. 169. Joseph Tomko, Inculturation and African M arriage, African Ecclesial Review 28 (June/August 1986): 163. 170. Ibid., 165. 171. W hite, Spiritual Gifts, 4a:100. 172. O bw a, 61. 173. Saayman, 315. 174. M biti,143-144. 175. D aniel I. D enga, Juvenile D elinquency Among Polygynous Families in N igeria, Journal of Social Psychology 114 (1981): 3. 176. M akanzu, 49-52. 177. Ellen G. W hite, Christs O bject Lessons (W ashington, D C: Review and H erald Publishing Association, 1941), 333. 178. H elmut Thielicke, Theological Ethics, vol. 3, Sex, trans. John W . D oberstein (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964), 181. 179. Ibid., (emphasis added). 180. M akanzu, 74. 181. See George Peter M urdock, Ethnographic Atlas (Pittsburgh: U niversity of Pittsburgh Press, 1967), 47-48, 62-122. 182. W illiam G. Blum, Forms of M arriage: M onogamy Reconsidered (N airobi, Kenya: AM ECEA Gaba, 1989), 278. 183. W ise, 119. See also, Saayman, 315. 184. W ise, 119. 185. O bw a, 62. 186. Reyburn, 272. 187. Ibid., 255 (editorial introduction, emphasis original). 188. O bw a, 66. 189. See Trobisch, M y Wife M ade M e a Polygamist, 40. See also, Karibw ije, 67. 190. Reyburn, 272. 191. Ibid., 273. 192. O bw a, 68. 193. Karibw ije, 66. 194. Ibid. 195. Karibw ije, 66. 196. O bw a, 66. See Rom 8:16-17; H eb 9:15; Jas 2:5; 1 Pet 1:3-4. 197. Francis A. Arinze, Polygamy and Childlessness, African Ecclesial Review 23 (February-M arch 1981): 98. 198. Ian M . H ay, A D iscussion of the Problem of Polygamy in Relation to the Church in N igeria (M .A. thesis, Columbia School of M ission, Columbia Bible College, 1951), 45; Karibw ije, 62. 199. D omus, 124. D e la H aye records a similar case, from 1912: Before baptism a polygamist quit cohabiting w ith tw o extra w ives, put them in separate quarters; maintained them, meeting all their needs, but living only w ith his first w ife; Sophie de la H aye, Tread U pon the Lion: The Story of Tommie Titcombe (O ntario: Sudan Interior M ission, 1973), 62-63. 200. H elander, 64. 201. Ibid., 64. 202. W illard Burce, Polygamy and the Church, Concordia Theological M onthly 34 (April 1963): 231. 203. See, for example, H orner, 178. 204. W hile it is true that some w omen might turn to prostitution, this is not alw ays so, especially in societies w here w omen return to their relatives. See, for example, H elander, 15; cf. Trobisch, M y Wife M ade M e a Polygamist, 36.

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205. O bw a, 63. 206. Ibid. 207. H aring, 158. 208. D Souza, 78 (footnote #1). 209. O bw a, 67. 210. Ibid. 211. Tomko, 165. 212. M issions Round Table, General Conference Session, M ilw aukee, W I, 27 M ay to 12 June 1926, p. 2, CAR. 213. See Charles R. Taber, The M issionary: W recker, Builder, or Catalyst? Practical Anthropology 17 (July-August 1970): 152.

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